In 1994, the Washington State Legislature established the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. This honor is reserved for police officers who have been killed in the line of duty, or who have distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious conduct.

It is only fitting that these medal recipients not be forgotten. We honor them for their compassion, their steadfast commitment in the line of fire, their sacrifices, and their exceptional service to the citizens of the State of Washington. And most importantly, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up their lives.

We thank the recipients and their families from the bottom of our hearts. These officers protected our Constitution, our civil liberties, and our families, often working under circumstances that kept them away from their own families for long periods of time.

This distinguished group of officers whose names appear here epitomize the true character of law enforcement officers -- honor, integrity, and commitment to the citizens of the State of Washington.

But this website not only honors those officers who have died in the line of duty or who have distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious conduct, it also recognizes all law enforcement officers who continue, at great risk and peril, to protect those they serve.